‘I remember the 5% that’s wrong’

Refereeing takes patience, fitness, quick decision-making, and sometimes a thick skin. For Oisin McLaughlin (30) who grew up steeped in football tradition in Donegal, refereeing is a way to connect with people and give back to the sport he loves.

So how did refereeing first enter your life?

It’s in the family, really. My granddad was a referee for a long time in Donegal, and he also served as chairman of the Donegal Junior Football League. I kind of got into it through him. Later, when I was in Australia for a few years, I picked up the whistle again. I came back home recently, and Ellen Henley from Kingscourt - where I’m now living - encouraged me to get involved with the CMUL. I did the official course again in Navan this past February, and since then I’ve been flat out refereeing. I’m really enjoying it.

How many games would you typically cover in a week?

Most weekends I’d say two or three matches, depending on how much the wife gives out to me!

And are those mostly underage games, or do you also cover adults?

Here, it’s mainly underage. In Australia I did a lot of adult football, but when I came back you have to start at the bottom of the pyramid again. That means mostly youth matches, which has actually been brilliant. It’s a great way to get to know people, travel around, and have a bit of craic with coaches and players.

Refereeing isn’t always easy. How have coaches and parents responded to you so far?

Honestly, really well. Of course, referees will always get a bit of pushback now and then, but I find communication is key. I probably approach it like a teacher. While refereeing, I’ll encourage players - “great tackle,” “good contest,” or “watch that offside.” If you talk to players and coaches, it makes the game smoother. Even small things like letting them know how much time is left helps keep everyone on side.

Do you have a set routine before a match?

Fitness is part of it, of course - refereeing keeps you fit whether you like it or not! But preparation is more than that. The night before I’ll pack my bag, check my cards, and make sure I know exactly where the game is. Being new to the area, I’ve been caught before thinking somewhere was closer than it was. Another thing I do, which might be a bit over the top, is keep a record of coaches’ and captains’ names.

That personal touch probably makes a big difference.

Exactly. If you walk up and greet a coach or captain by name, it sets the tone right away. We’re all here for the same reason: to give kids and adults the chance to play football. Referees are as much part of that as the coaches, who are giving up their time too.

You mentioned earlier the need for more referees. Is that a problem locally?

Definitely. The turnover of referees is very high. Some step away for personal reasons, but a lot stop because it’s a tough role, especially in football where one referee has to cover offsides, fouls, everything. More support would be brilliant, especially younger referees coming through.

In my own school I’ve even encouraged students to think about it. A mentorship system could work - maybe an under-16 could shadow a referee at an under-12 match, even split halves with them. That way, they learn the ropes with guidance.

Do you see refereeing as something you’d like to pursue long-term?

Yes, 100%. I’ve just turned 30, which is relatively young in refereeing. For now, I want to keep climbing the ranks, move into more adult games, and maybe someday progress through the FAI development pathway. Who knows, maybe even League of Ireland underage or higher.

Did you play football yourself before refereeing?

I did. I was a goalkeeper with Swilly Rovers up in Donegal. I always loved the game, even though I wasn’t the best player. Refereeing gave me a way to stay involved. People started saying, “You’re actually quite good at this,” and I kept at it.

What about refereeing highlights - or low points?

The highlights are easy: handshakes at the end of a game, players saying “thanks,” coaches appreciating your time. That’s what it’s all about.

As for low points, referees can get 95% of decisions right but be remembered for the 5% they miss. I still remember one game where I gave an offside instead of a penalty - I knew straight away it was wrong, but I went with the flag. That stuck with me. But you learn. Now, if there’s doubt, I talk to the linesman first. Every mistake is a lesson.

You sound like you’re quite open about admitting errors.

If I know I’m wrong, I’ll say so. Players respect that. There’s a great rule called “only the captains,” where both captains come in and you explain the decision. I use that a lot. At the end of the day, refereeing is about confidence, communication, and keeping the game moving.

Final thoughts?

Just that refereeing, for me, has been such a positive experience. It’s about more than blowing the whistle — it’s keeping football alive, building relationships, and giving people their game each week. I’d encourage anyone with an interest to give it a go.